But the same dilemma still exists from before these new rules were presented: Those who garner licenses may not be able to do anything with them if they don't have the cash to move their plans forward.
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission does give priority to applications to businesses that would be owned by women, minorities, disabled veterans, or those with expunged marijuana convictions, but once a conditional license is granted, the money isn't always there.
Demographic indicators such as gender, racial and ethnic background, and income level did not vary greatly when it came to who would approve of marijuana sales in their town and who would not, but geography mattered a bit.
It has been nearly 17 months since voters legalized recreational marijuana but sales haven't begun. An expected vote on a start date was delayed last week.